HO51MGZ
MG ZS 180 5-Door 2001
Owner: Ray Kemble
When MG Rover announced the ZR, ZS, ZT and ZT-T models in the summer of 2001 I was looking to get a new car. The ZS 180 was the top of the range with the KV6 2.5 litre engine and suited me down to the ground. The first production cars were delivered in the beginning of September. However I budgeted for a new MGF and with the price of the ZS being much lower I was able get all the optional extras available at the time. This including sun roof, top-of the-range in-car entertainment, rear electric windows and rear head restraints so it had to be built to order. HO51MGZ came off the production line on 17th September 2001. It is unusual in being a combination of an early 5-door 180, most 180s being 4-door saloons.
Due to a series of events including flood damage to the engine and damage to the rear tailgate and spoiler, HO51MGZ was taken off the road in January 2008 and stored in a garage. It remained there till June 2017 by which time it had come to resemble a barn find. It was then taken out and trailered to Beech Hill Garage near Reading for restoration.
After two stages of work HO51MGZ was finally restored to show condition almost 10 years to the day of it being consigned to the garage. Work included a replacement refurbished engine, a replacement tailgate and spoiler and renewing of brake lines, brake components and suspension bushes. In addition many minor scratches and dents in the body work have been attended to. During restoration the accent being on retaining as much of the originality of the car as possible.
The car has now been seen at many shows including Stoneleigh and the PCCCR show at the NEC. It is still my everyday car.